This massive McLean indoor mall is the center of shopping in Northern Virginia. The list of 300-plus specialty stores and restaurants includes something for every member of the family. Teens can hit Hollister, Garage, Urban Outfitters, and Free People, and fashionistas will find affordable, of-the-moment options at Forever 21, Cusp, and H&M. Kids can play at the two-story American Girl shop and the downstairs Lego store, outdoorsy dads will love browsing fishing gear and camping goods at the gigantic L.L. Bean, and Mom can rely on J. Jill, Talbots, and a bevy of other retail favorites. Department stores include Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor, and Macy’s. If all that shopping wears you out, catch a movie at the 16-theater complex, or grab a bite—Tysons Corner Center is home to two food courts and more than a dozen sit-down restaurants.1961 Chain Bridge Rd.; 703-847-7300.

Ride Metro to the Pentagon City stop and you can walk right into the mall, just minutes from downtown DC. We head here for two can’t-find-’em-anywhere-else stores: Luxe accessories emporium Henri Bendel is a great resource for gifts, and Kenneth Cole has timeless workwear, shoes, and bags for men and women. There are also perennial favorites such as J.Crew for preppy basics and trendy weekend staples. The attached department stores are ­Nordstrom and Macy’s. 1100 s. Hayes St., Arlington; 703-415-2400.